Surface and Mechanical Properties of Different Dental Composites

Due to the unlimited revolution in dental composites technology, a wide variety of materials are available in the market. Materials' selection is therefore a challenge and requires proper analysis of material properties. This study investigated the compressive, flexure, hardness and surface roughness of six commercially available dental composites (Filtek Z250 and 350 XT and P90, Tetric-N-Ceram and Tetric-N-Ceram Bulk Fill and IPS Impress Direct). The results showed that the highest strength and modulus (compressive and flexure) was observed for Filtek Z250 and 350XT. All tested composites showed bottom/ top hardness ratios above the minimum acceptable level (0.8) and surface roughness below the minimum acceptable level (0.2m) except Filtek P90. Accordingly, for high stress bearing applications, the materials of choice would be Filtek Z250 and Z350 XT. For low stress-bearing applications, IPS Empress and Tetric N-Ceram would be materials of choice. With P90 composites, high plaque accumulations would be expected.